Does the SimpliSafe base station listen in? No, the SimpliSafe base station can't listen in because it's not voice-activated and doesn't have a microphone.
To use 2-way audio with your SimpliCam® and Video Doorbell, press the microphone button in the SimpliSafe® Mobile App while talking and release it to hear what is being said. If you hold the microphone button while someone is speaking to you through the camera, you will not be able to hear them.
SimpliSafe cameras don't support continuous recording, but we prefer cameras that only record events otherwise reviewing footage ends up taking too much of our time.
To use 2-way audio with your SimpliCam® and Video Doorbell, press the microphone button in the SimpliSafe® Mobile App while talking and release it to hear what is being said. If you hold the microphone button while someone is speaking to you through the camera, you will not be able to hear them.
Integrating SimpliSafe with other smart home brands requires a subscription. Professional monitoring costs have gone up three times in four years. Limited selection of security cameras.
According to Andrew Zonenberg, a researcher with security consultancy firm IOActive, attackers can easily disable SimpliSafe alarms from up to 30 meters away, using a device that costs around $250 to create a replay attack.
The best SimpliSafe alternative depends on the reason you're looking for an alternative to SimpliSafe. If you want better professional installation and monitoring, we recommend ADT. For better smart home capabilities, Vivint offers some of the most advanced smart features available.
Top System for Monitoring — Ring and SimpliSafe
But, SimpliSafe gave us stronger monitoring capabilities with its Core plan offering live guard protection. For the lowest cost option, we recommend Ring. If you want top-tier monitoring that still offers great value, go with SimpliSafe.
With a SimpliSafe security system, you'll be able to arm your system with your voice, connect to third-party smart devices, and, generally speaking, make your life a little more convenient. FYI: You might have noticed we didn't say you could disarm your system with your voice. You can't.
A Wi-Fi connection is required in order for our cameras to function and for the Base Station to download firmware updates. But the Base Station and sensors communicate using their own radio frequency signal; so even if your internet goes down, your Base Station and devices will still be active and protect your home.
Motion is detected. The Smart Alarm Wireless Indoor Camera springs into action. Onboard AI determines the movement is human, which triggers the alarm and begins recording. Agents check camera recordings and live video feeds for intruders, telling them police are on their way.
What do the lights mean on my SimpliSafe camera? On the SimpliCam, when the blue light flashes, that means the camera is recording.
The answer is yes, most security cameras do have audio capabilities. As surveillance cameras become more prevalent in our daily lives, concerns about privacy arise, especially when audio recording is involved. You might wonder whether it's legal and if there's a way to prevent audio recording.
SimpliSafe® Mobile App:
Choose your Entry Sensor that you would like to modify. Under Entry Sensor Alert, select Sensor Name Voice Prompt. Use the toggle to turn this feature on or off. Be sure to tap on Send to Base or Save to save your settings before exiting.
In SimpliSafe's case, the team at the monitoring centre will call you to check you're ok and use indoor cameras to confirm if the security threat is real, and if it is, they will immediately request police dispatch on your behalf.
Featuring affordable packages and smart home automation, ADT tops our list as the best home security system in 2025, especially with its new Trusted Neighbor feature.
Ultimately, the best camera for any application will be the one that fits your use case and fulfills your requirements. A WiFi or wireless security camera is ideal for temporary deployments in the home, whereas a wired security camera is better for commercial enterprises that require reliable continuous recording.
WPA3 is currently the strongest encryption. WPA and WPA2 are still available; however, it is advisable to use equipment that specifically supports WPA3, as using the other protocols could leave your network open to exploitation. Protect your Service Set Identifier (SSID).
The Standard Monitoring plan is $21.99 per month and comes with 24/7 emergency dispatch, among other useful features. We'll get into more detail on SimpliSafe's monitoring plans later.
Ring and SimpliSafe alternatives
For homeowners and renters who want a more white-glove experience, a professionally installed and monitored system, such as one from ADT or Vivint, might be a better fit. Arlo and Abode, two of our other top-reviewed home security providers, are also good options.
On June 29, SimpliSafe announced that private equity firm Hellman & Friedman had taken a controlling interest in the company in a deal valued at $1B.
Monitoring Winner
Price-wise, Ring is more affordable and offers more features at the same price point as SimpliSafe. However, SimpliSafe offers more advanced features, albeit with pricier subscriptions. Both are great options, but for different types of users.
SimpliSafe products are designed in the U.S., but with parts, like most tech products today, sourced from all over the world.
SimpliSafe® CO Detectors (including Smoke/CO Combo detectors) need to be replaced within five (5) years of the manufacture date (found on the label on the back of your device); and Smoke Detectors need to be replaced within ten (10) years of the manufacture date (found on the label on the back of your device).